Quick connection flange for blowout preventer

Abstract

The application discloses a quick connection flange for blowout preventer, which comprises a body, an upper flange plate and a lower flange plate arranged on the upper and lower ends of the body respectively, and the upper flange plate and the lower flange plate are connected with the blowout preventer flange and the external connection equipment flange respectively. The key point is that the quick connection device is further included, the quick connection device comprises a cavity group which is in communication with the bottom of the upper flange plate, an oil passage which is in communication with the bottom of one of the cavities, and a number of wire-loaded bolts, piston bolts, double nuts, locking nuts and double-headed bolts which are matched with the number of the cavities. Hydraulic oil is injected into the bottom of the cavity, the piston bolts are pushed to move upward synchronously, the double-headed bolts are pulled to reach the recommended pre-tightening force synchronously, then the locking nuts are tightened, the lower flange plate and the external connection equipment are locked and fixed, and the quick connection of the blowout preventer and the external connection equipment is realized. The tightening sequence of the locking nuts and the control of the torque do not need special attention, the operation is quick and simple, and the use is flexible and reliable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of petroleum equipment technology, and relates to blowout preventers, specifically to quick-connect flanges for blowout preventers. Background Technology

[0002] Blowout preventers (BOPs) connect to other BOPs or equipment via flanges. Current connection methods involve direct bolting with a large number of bolts. For example, a BOP with a nominal diameter of 13 5 / 8″ and a rated pressure of 70 MPa may have 20 flange bolts. Typical BOP installation scenarios, especially BOP assembly installations, require workers to operate heavy equipment under suspended loads in a confined space below the drilling rig. This confined and dangerous working environment is inconvenient. Furthermore, due to the large number of nuts, tightening a single bolt is time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring the use of torque wrenches, hammer wrenches, or sledgehammers. To ensure a tight and reliable bolt-nut connection, calculations are needed based on bolt specifications, connection requirements, and operating conditions to determine the bolt preload and control the tightening torque. Excessive preload can lead to bolt breakage or nut damage, while insufficient preload results in an unreliable connection. Attention must also be paid to the assembly sequence, such as diagonal installation, making the entire installation process time-consuming and labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the technical problem of time-consuming and labor-intensive connection of blowout preventer (BOP), this invention designs a quick-connect flange. By incorporating a quick-connect device on the flange, all bolts are pre-tightened simultaneously, making BOP installation quick and easy.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer (BOP) is provided, comprising a body and an upper flange and a lower flange respectively disposed at the upper and lower ends of the body. The upper flange and the lower flange are respectively connected to the BOP flange and the external connection equipment flange. The key feature is that it also includes a quick-connect device, which comprises a group of chambers communicating with the bottom of the upper flange, an oil port communicating with the bottom of one of the chambers, and a number of threaded bolts, piston bolts, double nuts, lock nuts, and stud bolts matching the number of chambers. The upper end of the threaded bolt passes through… The upper nut is connected to the blowout preventer flange, and its lower end is inserted into the chamber of the flange and connected to the upper flange by threads. The piston bolt located in the chamber has its upper end connected to the threaded bolt by an elastic member, and its lower end passes through the upper flange and is connected to the double-ended bolt by a double nut. The other end of the double-ended bolt is connected to a lock nut, which passes through the through hole of the lower flange and the external equipment flange and is connected to the lower nut. The piston bolt is in a sealed sliding connection with the chamber. The oil port is located on the outer wall of the upper flange and is inclined upward. A conversion joint or plug can be detachably installed in the oil port.

[0005] The upper flange of the quick-connect flange body is aligned with the flange of the blowout preventer (BOP). The threaded bolts on the upper flange are passed through the through holes on the BOP flange, and the upper nut is threaded onto the threaded bolts to lock and secure the upper flange and BOP. Piston bolts located within the upper flange chamber protrude from the chamber and are connected to stud bolts using double nuts. The flange of the external connection device is aligned with the lower flange. Stud bolts are passed through the through holes on both the lower flange and the external connection device flange, and the lower nut is threaded onto the stud bolts to connect the external connection device as a single unit. After connecting the adapter to the oil inlet, hydraulic oil is injected into the bottom of the chamber, connecting the bottoms of the chambers. The hydraulic oil pushes the piston bolts upwards synchronously along the chamber, pulling the stud bolts onto the external connection device. Once the recommended preload is reached, the locking nuts on each stud bolt are rotated to lock and secure the lower flange and external connection device, achieving a quick connection between the BOP and the external connection device. Because the double-ended bolts simultaneously achieve preload at all locations on the external equipment, there is no need to pay extra attention to the assembly sequence of the locknuts, thus improving assembly efficiency. After assembly, the pressure at the bottom of the chamber is released, and the plug is replaced to seal the oil inlet. The upward-sloping design of the oil inlet prevents hydraulic oil from flowing out and also prevents the locknuts from loosening, which could cause the connection between the lower flange and the external equipment to become loose, ensuring a secure connection.

[0006] To further optimize this technical solution, a spring retainer ring is installed in the cavity, which abuts against the outer wall of the wire carrier bolt. The spring retainer ring prevents the wire carrier bolt from rotating in the opposite direction, avoids loosening of the connection between the wire carrier bolt and the cavity, and improves the firmness of the assembly of the wire carrier bolt and the accessories.

[0007] To further optimize this technical solution, an O-ring is provided on the outer wall of the wire carrier bolt, and the O-ring is in a sealing fit with the inner wall of the cavity. The wire carrier bolt is sealed to the inner wall of the cavity through the O-ring, which improves the sealing performance of the cavity and ensures the reliability of the hydraulic oil driving the piston bolt to move along the cavity.

[0008] To further optimize this technical solution, both the top end of the wire carrier bolt and the bottom end of the double-ended bolt are tapered structures. The tapered structures on the wire carrier bolt and the double-ended bolt facilitate insertion into the hole and alignment, simplifying installation and preventing damage to the threads.

[0009] To further optimize this technical solution, both the double-ended bolt and the double-nut have trapezoidal threads. The piston bolt pulls the double-ended bolt to move via the double-nut, thereby pulling the double-ended bolt to the recommended preload. The double-ended bolt and the double-nut need to withstand significant tensile stress. The trapezoidal threads of the double-ended bolt and the double-nut can enhance thread strength and improve reliability.

[0010] To further optimize this technical solution, the elastic component is a compression spring, located between the wire carrier bolt and the piston bolt, with both ends of the compression spring abutting against the wire carrier bolt and the piston bolt respectively. The position of the wire carrier bolt is fixed; after the compression spring abuts against it, it exerts downward pressure on the piston bolt, pushing it evenly to the bottom of the chamber. The compression spring prevents the piston bolts from moving unevenly, ensuring synchronous movement and pre-tensioning, resulting in precision and reliability. Furthermore, the compression spring has a simple structure and is stable and reliable in use.

[0011] To further optimize this technical solution, a receiving groove is provided at the bottom end of the wire carrier bolt, and the receiving groove is sleeved with a compression spring. The compression spring is located inside the receiving groove, which makes the deformation support of the compression spring more stable without interfering with the support of the piston bolt.

[0012] To further optimize this technical solution, the piston bolt has a threaded mounting hole at its top, and a piston sealing ring and an oil leakage prevention sealing ring are provided on the side wall of the piston bolt. The piston sealing ring and the chamber are in a sealing sliding fit, and the piston bolt and the oil leakage prevention sealing ring are in a sealing sliding fit. When disassembling and maintaining the piston bolt, a screw tool can be used to connect to the threaded mounting hole and then pull the piston bolt out of the chamber. This method is simple and flexible. The piston sealing ring and the oil leakage prevention sealing ring enhance the sealing performance between the piston bolt and the chamber, preventing hydraulic oil leakage and improving reliability.

[0013] To further optimize this technical solution, the end face of the double nut is provided with a groove. This structure can block the hydraulic oil from leaking downwards in the chamber through the double nut. Furthermore, the groove on the end face of the double nut collects the hydraulic oil when the leakage is small, and buffers the hydraulic oil when the leakage is large, preventing hydraulic oil from splashing out.

[0014] To further optimize this technical solution, side outlets are installed on opposite sides of the main body. This allows the quick-connect flanges to form a four-way structure, facilitating connection with other external equipment and improving operational flexibility. To avoid interfering with the use of the side outlets, the bolts corresponding to the side outlet positions are connected using standard bolts.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. Connect the double-ended bolts protruding from the lower flange to the flange of the external equipment. After tightening the lower nut, inject hydraulic oil into the bottom of the chamber. The connection at the bottom of the chamber allows the hydraulic oil to synchronously push the piston bolt along the chamber. The piston bolt, through the double nut, pulls the double-ended bolt upward, tightening the external equipment to the recommended preload. Then, rotate the locking nuts on each double-ended bolt to lock and fix the lower flange and the external equipment. The locking nuts do not require special attention to the assembly sequence or high torque rotation, significantly improving assembly efficiency and making the blowout preventer installation quick and easy.

[0016] 2. Inside the chamber, the compression spring supports the piston bolt, ensuring that it is synchronously located at the bottom of the chamber. This prevents uneven positioning of the piston bolt within the chamber, improves the accuracy of synchronous operation of the piston bolt within the chamber, enhances the synchronous pre-tightening accuracy of the piston bolt, and improves the reliability of use.

[0017] 3. After hydraulic rapid synchronous pre-tightening and locking the lower flange and external equipment, replace the plug to seal the oil inlet. The upward tilt of the oil inlet prevents hydraulic oil from flowing out and also prevents the lock nut from loosening, which could cause the connection between the lower flange and the external equipment to become loose, thus ensuring a secure connection between the lower flange and the external equipment.

[0018] 4. The double nut is installed near the upper flange. When the chamber leaks oil downwards, the double nut can block the leaking hydraulic oil. Furthermore, the groove on the end face of the double nut can collect the hydraulic oil and buffer it in case of excessive leakage, preventing hydraulic oil splashing. The piston bolt has a threaded hole at its top, allowing for easy removal of the piston bolt during disassembly and maintenance, making it flexible and convenient to use. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the quick-connect flange in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a top view of the main body chamber in this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the quick connection device in Embodiment 1; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure inside the upper flange cavity of this embodiment; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the connection between the double nut, the double-ended bolt, and the piston bolt in this embodiment. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the side outlet and the main body in this second embodiment; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the side structure connecting the side outlet to the main body in this embodiment 2.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Body; 2. Upper flange; 201. Chamber; 2011. Spring retainer ring for bore; 202. Oil inlet; 3. Lower flange; 4. Threaded bolt; 401. Receiving groove; 402. O-ring; 403. Upper nut; 5. Double-ended bolt; 501. Locking nut; 502. Lower nut; 6. Piston bolt; 601. Assembly threaded hole; 602. Piston seal ring; 603. Leak-proof seal ring; 7. Double nut; 701. Groove; 8. Compression spring; 9. Adapter; 10. Plug; 11. Blowout preventer flange; 12. External connection equipment flange; 13. Side outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Example 1

[0022] See appendix Figure 1-5 A quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer includes a body 1 and an upper flange 2 and a lower flange 3 respectively disposed at the upper and lower ends of the body 1. The upper flange 2 and the lower flange 3 are respectively connected to a blowout preventer flange 11 and an external connection equipment flange 12. The quick-connect device includes a group of chambers 201 distributed at the bottom of the upper flange 2 and interconnected with each other, and a number of threaded bolts 4, piston bolts 6, double nuts 7, lock nuts 501, and stud bolts 5 matching the number of chambers 201. The upper end of the threaded bolt 4 passes through the blowout preventer flange 11 and is connected to the upper nut 403, while the lower end is inserted into the chamber 201 of the upper flange 2 and connected to the upper flange 2 by means of threads. The device is equipped with a guide cone structure, which facilitates the passage of the wire carrier bolt 4 through the through hole of the blowout preventer flange 11 and allows for easy connection with the upper nut 403. This design offers flexibility in use. An O-ring 402 is provided on the outer wall of the wire carrier bolt 4, which fits snugly against the inner wall of the chamber 201, improving the sealing of the connection between the wire carrier bolt 4 and the chamber 201. A perforated spring retainer 2011 is provided inside the chamber 201, abutting against the outer wall of the wire carrier bolt 4. The perforated spring retainer 2011 prevents the wire carrier bolt 4 from rotating in the opposite direction within the chamber 201, thus avoiding loosening and enhancing the firmness of the connection between the wire carrier bolt 4 and the chamber 201. The wire carrier bolt 4 and the upper nut 403 lock the body 1 and the blowout preventer together.

[0023] See appendix Figure 3-5 The piston bolt 6, located within chamber 201, has its upper end connected to the wire carrier bolt 4 via an elastic component. This elastic component can be a compression spring 8, positioned between the wire carrier bolt 4 and the piston bolt 6. Both ends of the compression spring 8 abut against the wire carrier bolt 4 and the piston bolt 6, respectively. The bottom end of the wire carrier bolt 4 has a receiving groove 401, within which the compression spring 8 is located, ensuring stable deformation support. The lower end of the piston bolt 6 extends through the upper flange 2 and is connected to the double-ended bolt 5 via a double nut 7. Both the double-ended bolt 5 and the double nut 7 have trapezoidal threads, increasing the strength of the threaded connection and improving its reliability. The other end of the double-ended bolt 5 is connected to a locking nut 501. The double-ended bolt 5 passes through the through-hole between the lower flange 3 and the external equipment flange 12, and is connected to the lower nut 502. The double-ended bolt 5 and the lower nut 502 lock the main body 1 to the external equipment.

[0024] See appendix Figure 3The piston bolt 6 is in a sealing sliding fit with the chamber 201. An oil passage 202 is inclined upwards on the outer wall of the upper flange, connecting to the bottom of one of the chambers 201. A conversion connector 9 or a plug 10 is detachably installed inside the oil passage 202. When the conversion connector 9 is connected to the oil passage 202, it connects to a manual pump or a hydraulic pump. Hydraulic oil is injected into the bottom of the chamber 201 through the oil passage 202. The interconnection of all chambers 201 allows for synchronous injection of hydraulic oil into the bottom of each chamber, pushing the piston bolt 6 upwards along the chamber 201. A piston sealing ring 602 and a leak-proof sealing ring 603 are provided on the side wall of the piston bolt 6. The piston sealing ring 602 is sealed to the chamber 201, improving the sealing performance of the connection between the piston bolt 6 and the chamber 201. The leak-proof sealing ring 603 prevents the hydraulic oil injected into the chamber 201 from leaking out. The upward movement of piston bolt 6 causes the double-ended bolt 5 and lower nut 502 to simultaneously apply tension to the external equipment flange 12, reaching the recommended preload. Then, the locking nuts 501 on each double-ended bolt 5 are rotated to lock and fix the lower flange 3 and the external equipment flange 12. Because each piston bolt 6 reaches the preload simultaneously, there is no need to pay extra attention to the assembly sequence or adjust the torque of each locking nut 501, making it simple and flexible to use. After assembly, the chamber 201 is depressurized, the adapter 9 is removed, and the plug 10 is replaced to seal the oil port 202. The oil port 202 is tilted upwards to prevent hydraulic oil from flowing out and to prevent loosening of the locking nuts 501, which could cause loosening of the connection between the lower flange 3 and the external equipment flange 12 and seal failure.

[0025] See appendix Figure 3 Appendix Figure 5 The piston bolt 6 has a threaded hole 601 at its top for easy disassembly. During assembly, the threaded bolt 4 is removed from the chamber 201, the compression spring 8 is taken out of the chamber 201, and the piston bolt 6 is disconnected from the double nut 7. A tool is then inserted into the chamber 201 and connected to the threaded hole 601 (e.g., a screw tool). The piston bolt 6 is then pulled out of the chamber 201 for maintenance. This design allows for flexible operation. Furthermore, when hydraulic oil leaks downwards from the chamber 201, the double nut 7 blocks the leakage. The end face of the double nut 7 has a groove 701. When the leakage is small, the groove 701 collects the hydraulic oil; when the leakage is excessive, the groove 701 acts as an impact buffer, further preventing high-pressure oil splashing.

[0026] The working principle of this quick-connect flange is as follows: the blowout preventer (BOP) connects to external equipment via this quick-connect flange, which is generally another BOP, a drilling crossover, or a wellhead flange. The upper flange 2 and lower flange 3 of the quick-connect flange are connected to the BOP flange 11 and the external equipment flange 12, respectively. The upper end of the threaded bolt 4 passes through the BOP flange 11 and connects to the upper nut 403, while the lower end inserts into the chamber 201 inside the upper flange 2 and is connected to the upper flange 2 via threads. The lower end of the piston bolt 6 inside the chamber 201 protrudes from the upper flange 2 and is connected to the double-ended bolt 5 via a double nut 7. The other end of the double-ended bolt 5 is connected to the lock nut 501, which passes through the through holes of the lower flange 3 and the external equipment flange, and connects to the lower nut 502. Then, connect the adapter 9 on the upper flange to the manual pump or hydraulic pump, and inject hydraulic oil into the bottom of chamber 201 through oil port 202. The bottoms of each chamber 201 are interconnected, and the hydraulic oil is synchronously injected into the bottom of each chamber 201. The hydraulic oil pushes the piston bolt 6 to move upward along the inside of the chamber 201, thereby driving the piston bolt 6 to synchronously apply tension to the external equipment flange 12 and reach the recommended preload. Then, rotate each locking nut 501 to lock and fix the lower flange 3 and the external equipment flange 12 together. Because each piston bolt 6 reaches the preload synchronously, there is no need to pay extra attention to the assembly sequence of each locking nut 501 or adjust the torque, which significantly improves the assembly efficiency. After assembly, depressurize the bottom of chamber 201, remove the adapter 9, replace the plug 10, and seal the oil port 202.

[0027] See Appendix for Example 2 Figure 6-7 Side outlets 13 are provided on both sides of the main body 1, forming a four-way structure with the main body 1, which improves the flexibility of using the quick-connect flange. To avoid interfering with the use of the side outlets, the bolts corresponding to the side outlet positions are connected by ordinary bolts.

Claims

1. A quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer, comprising a body (1) and an upper flange (2) and a lower flange (3) respectively disposed at the upper and lower ends of the body (1), wherein the upper flange (2) and the lower flange (3) are respectively connected to a blowout preventer flange (11) and an external connection equipment flange (12); characterized in that: It also includes a quick-connect device, which includes a group of interconnected chambers (201) distributed in the upper flange (2), an oil port (202) connected to the bottom of one of the chambers (201), and a number of threaded bolts (4), piston bolts (6), double nuts (7), lock nuts (501), and stud bolts (5) matching the number of chambers (201). The upper end of the threaded bolt (4) passes through the blowout preventer flange (11) and is connected to the upper nut (403), and the lower end is inserted into the chamber (201) of the flange and connected to the upper flange (2) by means of threads. The piston bolt (6) located in the chamber (201) has its upper end connected to the threaded bolt (4) by means of an elastic member, and its lower end passes through the upper flange (2) and is connected to the stud bolt (5) by means of double nuts (7). The other end of the stud bolt (5) is connected to the lock nut (501) and passes through the lower flange. The through holes of the disc (3) and the external equipment flange (12) are connected to the lower nut (502); the piston bolt (6) is sealed and slidably connected to the chamber (201); the oil port (202) is located on the outer wall of the upper flange and is inclined upward; a conversion joint (9) or a plug (10) can be detachably installed in the oil port (202); the elastic component is a compression spring (8), which is located between the wire carrier bolt (4) and the piston bolt (6), and the two ends of the compression spring (8) abut against the wire carrier bolt (4) and the piston bolt (6) respectively; the elastic component is a compression spring (8), which is located between the wire carrier bolt (4) and the piston bolt (6), and the two ends of the compression spring (8) abut against the wire carrier bolt (4) and the piston bolt (6) respectively; a storage groove (401) is provided at the bottom of the wire carrier bolt (4), and the compression spring (8) is located in the storage groove (401).

2. The quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer according to claim 1, characterized in that: A spring retainer ring (2011) for holes is provided in the chamber (201), and the spring retainer ring (2011) for holes abuts against the outer wall of the wire bolt (4).

3. The quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the wire carrier bolt (4) is provided with an O-ring (402), and the O-ring (402) is sealed and fitted with the inner wall of the chamber (201).

4. A quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top end of the wire-carrying bolt (4) and the bottom end of the double-ended bolt (5) are both tapered structures.

5. A quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the double-ended bolt (5) and the double nut (7) have trapezoidal threads.

6. A quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The piston bolt (6) is provided with an assembly threaded hole (601) at the top end, and a piston sealing ring (602) and an oil leakage prevention sealing ring (603) are provided on the side wall of the piston bolt (6). The piston sealing ring (602) is in a sealing sliding fit with the chamber (201), and the piston bolt (6) is in a sealing sliding fit with the oil leakage prevention sealing ring (603).

7. A quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end face of the double nut (7) is provided with a groove (701).

8. A quick-connect flange for a blowout preventer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (1) has two side outlets (13) on opposite sides.

Images